ROdown Blog
Youth Health - it's totally important!
Youth Health 2011: it’s totally important! My first conference; overwhelming, intense fascinating and so inspiring!
This year’s Youth Health conference, held in Sydney, brought together around 500 participants ranging from the all important young people, health professionals (psychologists, counsellors and GPs amongst LOTS of others), youth workers and social media experts (some of whom are part of the ReachOut.com community!) to discuss our health.
The few days covered a large range of topics, from how services can better use technology to connect with us, the impact of alcohol and other drugs, the importance of sleep for young people, advocating for the rights of LGBTQ youth, right through to the mental health concerns for young people in detention centres around Australia.
One of the sessions that had the biggest impact on me was one where services showed everyone how they use technology to engage with young people. There are heaps of really cool websites and online places that you can go if you want to talk to someone about something that concerns you, to connect with other young people or to find some more information! One is Canteen’s online counselling service for young people going through cancer personally, or who have a loved one with cancer. ReachOut.com also did a demo of it’s WorkOut pilot site – which will be an online program for guys where you can take on missions to achieve ultimate mental fitness!
Overall, Youth Health 2011 will have a lasting effect on me because everyone was uber cool. The health professionals were completely approachable, very friendly and genuinely cared about the health of young people. So if you’re worried about anything and not sure about seeking help, just remember that out there are a bunch of really great people that want to make the health world a better place for us and help us to be happy and healthy!
“I've learnt that even though I'm a young person, my opinions are valued by others and we do know what's best for ourselves.
I've also learnt that some health care professionals do actually care what we think and want to change how they interact with us for the better. It gives me the knowledge that there are actually amazing, youth-friendly professionals.
The yhc has given me hope for the future - and I'm excited for the future of youth health.
We CAN make a difference. We CAN change our world.
I don't want to ever stop being a young person as young people are great. :)
Thanks for being such an AMAZING group of people. :)”
--- Conference Participant
Email this page
Not a member?
Join Reach Out to access a range of great member features.
Forgot your password?
0 Comments
Log in to join the conversation. Join Reach Out.
There are no comments for this Blog Post.